Prestigious Green Flag awarded to five Merton parks

National environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy has awarded five of Merton’s parks with a Green Flag, the UK-wide award for the best public and community parks and green spaces in the country.

The borough’s award-winning parks this year are Sir Joseph Hood Memorial Playing Fields, Colliers Wood Rec, South Park Gardens, John Innes Park and Dundonald Rec.

The green flag, which will fly above all five parks, recognises the best parks and green spaces across the country and is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is well maintained and has excellent facilities.

Merton Council cabinet member for community and culture Councillor Nick Draper said: “It’s great news that five of our parks have been recognised by Keep Britain Tidy once again.

“Congratulations must go to our professional parks teams who work so hard to keep these parks looking great, and to the devotion of friends’ groups who work so conscientiously beside them.

“Our parks and green spaces are hugely popular, especially in the warmer months. We have installed outdoor green gyms and play areas and we’ve also put in solar powered smart bins which let us know when they need emptying. We’ll continue working towards the Green Flag standard for all our fantastic parks across the borough.”